15 GOP senators call for Hagel to withdraw

2/21/13 11:12 AM EST

Senate Minority Whip John Cornyn of Texas and 14 other Republican senators sent a letter today to President Barack Obama, urging him to withdraw Chuck Hagel's nomination for secretary of defense.

"It would be unprecedented for a secretary of defense to take office without the broad base of bipartisan support and confidence needed to serve effectively in this critical position," the senators said, citing Hagel's "deeply concerning" confirmation hearing last month and his "seeming ambivalence" on the best approach to dealing with Iran.

The letter was signed by Republicans who have led the fight against Hagel’s nomination, including Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Roger Wicker of Mississippi and David Vitter of Louisiana.

Notably absent were Hagel critics GOP Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire.

The White House has consistently said the president is steadfastly behind Hagel and expects him to be confirmed by the Senate.

This article first appeared on POLITICO Pro at 11:11 a.m. on February 21, 2013.